Here's why:
* Spelling: The word "witch" has a single vowel, "i". This is a common indicator of a short vowel sound.
* Sound: The "i" in "witch" makes a short, clipped sound, similar to the "i" in "bit" or "ship".
* Contrast: Compare it to words like "wince" or "which," which have long vowel sounds.
Let me know if you have any other words you'd like to analyze!